On November 30, 2016, 1300 students from New York City (NYC)
public schools gathered at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway for the
inauguration of this unprecedented partnership funded through a $1.46 million
grant provided by The Rockefeller Foundation. This innovative collaboration
provides students the opportunity to see Hamilton on Broadway after studying
American History, a curriculum designed by The Gilder Lehrman Institute.

The program started with opening remarks by the partners,
followed by original student performances from 17 NYC public schools, a Q &
A with some members of Hamilton, lunch, then a Matinee performance of HAMILTON! The enthusiasm of the
students throughout the whole day was immense with deafening applause and
whistles of excitement and happiness. It was a joyful day.

Student representatives from the 17 NYC public schools
presented original material live on the same stage that HAMILTON is performed
consisting of songs, rap, poetry, modern dance, scenes, and monologues—all
incorporating themes from American History. The themes were centered around the
American Revolution, the Boston Massacre, Equal Rights, Aaron Burr, Alexander
Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Human Rights,
Government Pensions, Slave Trade, Racism, Women’s Rights and so much more.

The
group of participating high schools was selected by the New York City
Department of Education: Achievement First University Prep High School, Bronx
Leadership Academy II High School, Bronxwood Preparatory Academy, Brooklyn High
School of the Arts, Brooklyn theatre Arts High School, Channel View School For
Research, Community Scholl for Social Justice, Democracy Prep Harlem Hight
School, East Side Community School, International High School at LaGuardia
Community College, John Adams High School, Landmark High School, Mott Haven
Village Preparatory High School, Repertory Company Hight School for Theatre
Arts, and School for Democracy and Leadership.

As HAMILTONcreator Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “There is no feeling on earth like
performing for a theater full of students who are learning about
our founders in class and seeing how it still relates
to their own lives on stage.” Miranda’s goal is to build this program across
America.

Additionally, Judith Rodin, President of The Rockefeller
Foundation summed it up quite nicely, “The partnership between HAMILTON and The Rockefeller Foundation
is a game changer for 20,000 New York City public schools’ students. Today, the
first 1,300 experienced something truly inspirational – the story of America's
founding fathers as told by actors and actresses who look just like them,
through a transcendent Broadway musical created by a student of the New York public
school system —just like them. We couldn't throw away our shot at bringing
Hamilton to the audience it could affect most, who otherwise might not have had
the opportunity.” This was also the theme of the Q & A afterwards with some
of the cast members of HAMILTON.

James
G. Basker, President of The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History said, "This project is
transformative. Twenty thousand students will experience American history in a
new way and find their own connections to the Founding Era, to the performing
arts, and to the future of our country."

NYCSchools
Chancellor Carmen Fariña said,"I thank the Miranda family for assuring that their passion
for history and music is shared by New York City students. This musical will
impact the lives of thousands of students and connect to enriching curriculum,
undoubtedly sparking passion and an understanding of how inspiring history can
be in the classroom, in our great City, and beyond."

I
think the partners characterized their aspirations succinctly. It’s a marvelous
idea to roll out this program throughout America. Bravo to all in creating this
awe-inspiring partnership to educate students about the Founding Fathers!

About Me

Laura is a Certified Leadership/Life Empowerment Coach, Author, Poet, Playwright, former Contributor to HuffPost and current Contributor to ThriveGlobal.
She served as a past Board Member and Corporate Secretary for the Foreign Press Association Scholarship Fund, Columbia Business School Alumni Club, and The Pen & Brush, Inc., an international arts nonprofit dedicated to women.
Laura was educated at Simmons College; at Boston University in Paris, where she received a master's degree in International Relations; and at INSEAD.
She has lived in the United States and Europe, has traveled worldwide, and has an appreciation of people and their inherent culture around the globe.